The dreary, hard daily life at the Abbey is revealed through the eyes of William. But, his life is about to change. One day while gathering wood he hears whimpering, and he discovers a talking creature, caught in a trap. William frees the creature and takes him back to Brother Snail at the Abbey, hoping the monk can help it. William learns that the creature is a “hob” and starts to realize that there are many things in the
forest that he cannot see.

Soon, a mysterious guest comes to stay at the Abbey with his strange servant. William unwillingly finds himself connected to the curse of Crowfield and other unseen dangers in the woods. This book has a nice tension to it, but is not rocking and rolling with action. Rather, it unfolds the secret of The Crowfield Curse. It has some nice, descriptive language as when describing horses starting to show anxiety…”The other two danced nervously, eyes rolling and nostrils flaring as fear infected them.”
The author sets up the end of the story for a sequel, which I’m sure is coming!

*****Extra Activities*****

1. Get a long roll of drawing paper and create an abbey, the grounds and woodlands
surrounding it! You could add mystical fairies and other creatures in the forest.
2. Find books at the library that describe everything about monks and abbeys – today
and in history.

Celeste is a little mouse who lives below the floorboards of a plantation house, contentedly weaving baskets. One day she finds her mostly peaceful life is threatened when the family cat blocks the entry to her nest! Celeste is forced to climb upwards, and finds herself in the room of Joseph Mason, the 13-year-old apprentice of renowned naturalist John James Audubon. Joseph, who is a bit homesick, is delighted to have Celeste stay with him and carries her around in his pocket. Audubon and Mason only stayed at the plantation for a few months searching for, discovering and sketching the native plants and animals before moving on. So, where will Celeste find a new nest when they leave? This story can be charming, but young readers may have to ask what some of the words mean: adrenaline, botanicals, bemusement, etc. Also, the account of the killing, posing and pinning up of a woodpecker to allow for its sketching may be a little strong for some kids (although it does describe how artists were able to study animals and to sketch them accurately.) The pencil drawings throughout the book are very well done and are very effective in supporting the theme and story line.

This is an exciting, action-filled book – a “fun ride” that even adults may enjoy reading. It starts mysteriously with a note to readers to warn them that they may be getting involved in a “dangerous” adventure. Next the Kane kids, Carter and Sadie, start to expain how it all began, taking turns speaking into a microphone to record the story. (Although I found this technique a bit annoying, I did like the chapters being alternately told by Carter and Sadie to show their unique perspectives of their family and their adventure). The adventure begins with Dr. Kane, an Egyptologist, taking his kids on a visit to a British Museum. Once there, he causes the Rosetta Stone to explode. A “fiery” figure appears, who then challenges Dr. Kane and shockingly makes him disappear right in front of his children! Bewildered, Carter and Sadie begin to uncover their family’s strong connection to Ancient Egypt, its gods and pharaohs! They meet Egyptian magicians, discover what “powers” they themselves have and fight their way through dangers and tasks to try to save their father. This book will stir the reader’s curiousity to learn about life in Ancient Egypt and visit the library to borrow books. Kids might like to try try their hands at drawing some hieroglyphics and making secret codes. The author tells us at the end of the book that magicians really existed in Ancient Egypt and that some of their boxes, curved wands and other items are on exhibit in museums, so a visit to a cool museum may be an eye opener. Oh, and if you like this book, you just know there will be a sequel.

 When I first started to read The Magician’s Elephant I thought that it would be lots of fun to read aloud because there is a lot of dramatic language. The story is about an orphan named Peter who is trying to find out if his sister still lives. His only clue to her whereabouts comes from a fortuneteller, who tells him to “Follow the elephant.” Although it is a story with a bleak setting and situation, it is a story of wondering, hoping, wishing and loving. I think it will be better received by children who are a bit more sophisticated and philosophical than the average age 9-12 reader. The characters are not well-developed so I found it hard to identify with them. The beginning and ending of the book are “magical.” This book is worth checking out to see if you would enjoy reading it with your kids.